Sunday, 1 September 2013

Washing Fleece

It’s been a
glorious summer when I ought to have been washing my fleeces for the winter but
somehow there have been other things to do.

I have a
Shetland fleece that is rather special. I chose it myself from the fleece store
at Jamieson and Smith in Lerwick. I have spun some of it ‘in the grease’ to
obtain a very fine yarn – in both respects ( more later perhaps)

The Shetland
fleece – it does have a lot of lanolin etc in it and looks quite yellow!

However, I
have decided that the fleece now needs washing for the winter. My aim is to
maintain the crimp and some of the lanolin if possible. On doing some research
I found the FSM (fermented suint method). I have not tried this before and
decided, after much thinking, to try it with my Shetland fleece – well some of
it. So I set up the bath just over a week ago and it seemed to be working well.
I have now done lots of rinsing and spun it in the washing machine on a slow
spin (in a pillow case to protect it). I am SO pleased with the result so far. The
fleece is so white and there is some lanolin still present which should help
the fine spinning considerably. I am amazed as I was very sceptical as to
whether this would work.

The added
advantages of this method are that only rainwater is used (at normal
temperature) & it washes itself so to speak. The big disadvantage is the
smell – not something to do inside the house!

‘So far, so
good’ as the saying goes. So the next batch has gone in today and that should
be done in 2 to 3 days, as I have set up the bath. You use the same water and
apparently it gets better.

I’m so
impressed that I have set up another bath with some of my lovely Jacob fleece from
my friend Rebecca W in Norfolk. The fleece is not so oily so it might take
longer to get the bath established.

About Me

Textile designer-maker who is also a professional image consultant and qualified teacher. My work varies from teaching eg natural dyeing, to advising on personal colour and style to making couture pieces. I am passionate about what I do and encourage others to enjoy the process of producing and wearing garments and accessories that show individual creativity and skill and can be enjoyed for many years.